Santo Domingo.- The National Carnival Parade brought together thousands of people this Sunday, who gathered at the Malecón of Santo Domingo to celebrate the identity and folklore of the Dominican people through one of their most representative cultural manifestations.
Around 170 troupes and about 9,000 members, including artists, musicians, dancers, and artisans, participate in this event that brings together traditional expressions, fantasy proposals, and popular creativity. Delegations from several provinces across the country stand out in the parade, including Puerto Plata and its Taimáscaros, to whom this edition of the carnival is dedicated.
Santiago de los Caballeros also shone with their traditional Lechones and La Vega with their emblematic Diablos Cojuelos, in addition to other renowned allegorical carnival characters who splashed color and energy as they passed along the popular Avenida George Washington.
The 2026 National Carnival Parade is dedicated to the province of Puerto Plata, in recognition of its cultural identity and its contributions to the country’s carnival tradition.
The event also features the participation of international guests, including the Carnival of Blacks and Whites of Pasto, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, as well as representatives of the Independent League of Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro.
During the activity, the Minister of Culture, Roberto Ángel Salcedo, presented special recognitions to the province of Puerto Plata, received by Governor Claritza Rochtte Peralta de Senior. Likewise, the carnival kings, Zoila Luna and Mariano Hernández, were recognized.
In addition, Juan Francisco Hernández “Juanpa” was recognized for his brilliant career and influence on the conversation of the Dominican carnival.
Likewise, recognition was given to the Carnival Union of Puerto Plata, for being a reference of splendor and for keeping alive the legacy of the carnival and its customs.
Santiago de los Caballeros also shone with their traditional Lechones and La Vega with their emblematic Diablos Cojuelos, in addition to other renowned allegorical carnival characters who splashed color and energy as they passed along the popular Avenida George Washington.
The 2026 National Carnival Parade is dedicated to the province of Puerto Plata, in recognition of its cultural identity and its contributions to the country’s carnival tradition.
The event also features the participation of international guests, including the Carnival of Blacks and Whites of Pasto, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, as well as representatives of the Independent League of Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro.
During the activity, the Minister of Culture, Roberto Ángel Salcedo, presented special recognitions to the province of Puerto Plata, received by Governor Claritza Rochtte Peralta de Senior. Likewise, the carnival kings, Zoila Luna and Mariano Hernández, were recognized.
In addition, Juan Francisco Hernández “Juanpa” was recognized for his brilliant career and influence on the conversation of the Dominican carnival.
Likewise, recognition was given to the Carnival Union of Puerto Plata, for being a reference of splendor and for keeping alive the legacy of the carnival and its customs.
